Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-06

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Many people believe that the working week should be shortened so that employees can enjoy a longer weekend. I strongly agree with this view because it can improve workers' well-being and increase productivity, although it should be implemented carefully in occupations that require continuous services.

One of the main benefits of a shorter working week is that it promotes a healthier work-life balance. Many employees experience stress and fatigue after working for five or six consecutive days. Having an extra day off allows people to spend more time with their families, pursue hobbies, and get sufficient rest. As a result, they are likely to return to work feeling refreshed and motivated. This can also reduce the risk of burnout and improve both physical and mental health.

Another reason to support a longer weekend is that it can enhance productivity. Research and practical experience have shown that employees often perform better when they are well-rested. Instead of focusing on the number of hours worked, employers should emphasize the quality of work. Several companies that have introduced a four-day working week have reported higher employee satisfaction, lower absenteeism, and, in many cases, equal or even greater productivity. Therefore, reducing working days does not necessarily lead to lower business performance.

However, not all industries can easily adopt a shorter working week. Essential services such as hospitals, emergency response units, and public transport must operate every day. In these sectors, employers may need to introduce rotating shifts or hire additional staff to maintain uninterrupted services while still allowing workers more time off.

In conclusion, I agree that the working week should be shorter because it benefits both employees and employers by improving well-being and productivity. Nevertheless, careful planning is essential to ensure that vital public services continue to operate efficiently.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide well-developed arguments for both the benefits of a shorter week (well-being and productivity) and the necessary considerations for essential services. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of rotating shifts for hospitals. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the benefits and the counter-argument is handled smoothly using the cohesive device 'However'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases effectively, such as 'As a result', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, contributing to the overall coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. You use topic-specific terms such as 'burnout', 'absenteeism', 'uninterrupted services', and 'consecutive days' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports the clarity of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex structures used throughout the essay. You effectively use conditional structures, passive voice, and complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Instead of focusing on the number of hours worked, employers should emphasize...'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are virtually no grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of control over English syntax and structure.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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